Display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a plurality of first electrodes overlap a display area, extend in a first direction, and are arranged in a second direction, a plurality of second electrodes overlap the display area, extend in the second direction, and are arranged in the first direction, a plurality of conductive lines are provided along the first electrodes, and connected to the second electrodes, respectively, and a touch detection driver is configured to detect contact or approach of an object with respect to the display area. In a case where a distance between a conductive line and one of the first electrodes near the conductive line is less than a predetermined value, a shielding portion is formed in the second electrode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2018-169808, filed Sep. 11, 2018, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

Recently, electronic devices such as smartphones and tablet computershave been widespread. In these electronic devices, a display deviceincluding a touch detection function (hereinafter, a display device witha touch detection function) has been adopted.

This display device with a touch detection function enables thedetection of, for example, the contact or approach of an object such asa fingertip or stylus (external adjacent object) with respect to adisplay area (active area).

The touch detection function is realized by providing a drive electrodeand a touch detection electrode. It is known that parasitic capacitanceis generated between the drive electrode and the conductive lineconnected to the touch detection electrode.

As the parasitic capacitance affects the accuracy of touch detection,for example, a shielding portion (shield pattern electrode) is formed toprevent the generation of parasitic capacitance.

However, even if a structure of preventing the generation of parasiticcapacitance is adopted, the accuracy of touch detection may be degraded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the general structureof a display device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows an example of the general structure of a display panelprovided in the display device.

FIG. 3 schematically shows an example of the cross-sectional structureof the display device.

FIG. 4 is shown for explaining the basic operation of a touch detectionmechanism.

FIG. 5 is shown for explaining an example of the relationship between adisplay period and a touch detection period in the display device.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the positional relationship between driveelectrodes and touch detection electrodes in a comparison example of thepresent embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the connection portion of a touch detectionelectrode and a conductive line.

FIG. 8 is shown for explaining a shielding portion formed in the touchdetection electrode.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of the positional relationshipbetween the drive electrodes and the touch detection electrodes in thepresent embodiment.

FIG. 10 is shown for specifically explaining the shielding portionsformed in the touch detection electrodes.

FIG. 11 shows a different layout example of the conductive linesconnected to the touch detection electrodes.

FIG. 12 is shown for explaining the shielding portions formed in touchdetection electrodes according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is shown for explaining a structure in which the shieldingportions are formed at positions overlapping the drive electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a display device for displayingan image in a display area is provided. The display device includes aplurality of first electrodes overlapping the display area, extending ina first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction, a plurality of second electrodes overlapping thedisplay area, extending in the second direction and arranged in thefirst direction, a plurality of conductive lines provided along thefirst electrodes and connected to the second electrodes, respectively,and a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the displayarea based on capacitance between the first electrodes and the secondelectrodes. In a case where a distance between a conductive line nearone of the second electrodes and one of the first electrodes near theconductive line is less than a predetermined value, a shielding portionis formed in the second electrode. In a case where a distance between aconductive line near one of the second electrodes and one of the firstelectrodes near the conductive line is greater than a predeterminedvalue, the shielding portion is not formed in the second electrode.

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

The disclosure is merely an example, and proper changes in keeping withthe spirit of the invention, which are easily conceivable by a person ofordinary skill in the art, come within the scope of the invention as amatter of course. In addition, in some cases, in order to make thedescription clearer, the drawings show schematic illustration ratherthan as an accurate representation of what is implemented. However, suchschematic illustration is merely exemplary, and in no way restricts theinterpretation of the invention. In the drawings, reference numbers ofcontinuously arranged elements equivalent or similar to each other areomitted in some cases. In addition, in the specification and drawings,structural elements which function in the same or a similar manner tothose described in connection with preceding drawings are denoted bylike reference numbers, redundant detailed description thereof beingomitted unless necessary.

First Embodiment

Now, this specification explains a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is aperspective view showing the general structure of a display deviceaccording to the present embodiment. The display device of the presentembodiment is a display device including a touch detection function.This type of display device may be a display device including an on-celltouch detection mechanism, in which a touch panel is formed on thedisplay surface of the display device. Moreover, the display device maybe a display device including an in-cell touch detection mechanism, inwhich a common electrode for image display originally provided in thedisplay device is also used as one of a pair of electrodes for touchdetection, and the other electrode (touch detection electrode) isprovided to intersect the common electrode. Hereinafter, thisspecification explains the display device of the present embodiment,assuming that the display device includes an in-cell touch detectionmechanism.

The display device 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a display panel 11. Asthe display panel 11, for example, a display panel using a liquidcrystal layer as a display function layer or a display panel using anorganic emitting layer (organic electroluminescence) is used. Here, thisspecification explains a display panel using a liquid crystal layer.

The display panel 11 includes a first substrate (array substrate) ill, asecond substrate (counter-substrate) 112 facing the first substrate 111,and a liquid crystal layer (not shown) formed between the firstsubstrate 111 and the second substrate 112. For example, a panel driver(liquid crystal driver) 113 which drives the display panel 11 is mountedon the first substrate 111. The panel driver 113 drives the displaypanel 11 such that an image is displayed in the display area (activearea) DA of the display panel 11.

The display panel 11 is integrally structured with, for example, acapacitive change detection type of touch detection mechanism 12.

The touch detection mechanism 12 includes a plurality of touch detectionelectrodes (second electrodes) Rx. The touch detection electrodes Rx areprovided at a position overlapping the display area DA of the displaypanel 11 on the second substrate 112. The touch detection electrodes Rxextend in an X-direction (second direction) and are arranged in aY-direction (first direction). Each touch detection electrode Rx is, forexample, a transparent electrode and is formed of a transparentconductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide(IZO). The touch detection electrodes Rx may be provided either outsideor inside the display panel 11. The touch detection mechanism 12 isconnected to a touch detection driver 121 via flexible printed circuitFPC2.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of common electrodes (firstelectrodes) for image display as described above are provided on thefirst substrate 111 in the display panel 11. In the present embodiment,the common electrodes are used as one of the electrodes for touchdetection, and are provided at positions facing the touch detectionelectrodes Rx. The common electrodes are formed of, for example, ITO.

In the display device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible todetect the contact or approach of an object (detected object) withrespect to the display area DA based on capacitance (mutual capacitance)between the touch detection electrodes Rx and the common electrodes.Although the display device 10 enables the detection of contact orapproach of an object, in the following description, this specificationexplains that the display device 10 merely detects the contact of anobject for descriptive purpose.

For example, a host device HOS is provided outside the display panel 11.The host device HOS is connected to the display panel 11 via flexibleprinted circuit FPC1 and the panel driver 113. The host device HOS isconnected to the touch detection mechanism 12 via flexible printedcircuit FPC2 and the touch detection driver 121.

It should be noted that the panel driver 113 and the touch detectiondriver 121 may be structures as the same chip. When the touch detectiondriver 121 and the panel driver 113 are the same chip, by providing thechip on, for example, the second substrate 112, flexible printed circuitFPC1 or flexible printed circuit FPC2, flexible printed circuit FPC1,flexible printed circuit FPC2, etc., may be omitted.

A backlight unit 13 is provided on the lower side of the first substrate111 (in other words, the rear side of the display panel 11) as anillumination device which illuminates the display panel 11. Flexibleprinted circuit FPC3 connects the backlight unit 13 and the host deviceHOS. Various forms may be applied to the backlight unit 13. As a lightsource, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a cold cathodefluorescent lamp (CCFL) is used. In the above description, thisspecification explains a case where the backlight unit 13 provided onthe rear side of the display panel 11 is used. However, a front-lightunit provided on the display side of the display panel 11 may be used.An illumination device using a light guide and an LED or a CCFL providedon a side of the light guide may be used. An illumination device using apoint source in which emitting elements are arranged in a planer mannermay be used. When the display device 10 is a reflective display device,or the display panel 11 uses organic electroluminescence, the displaydevice 10 may not include an illumination device.

The display panel 11 of the present embodiment may be a transmissivedisplay panel, a reflective display panel or a transflective displaypanel. The display device 10 to which a transmissive display panel 11 isapplied includes, as described above, the backlight unit 13 on the rearside of the first substrate 111 and includes a transmissive displayfunction for displaying an image by selectively transmitting the lightemitted from the backlight unit 13. The display device 10 to which areflective display panel 11 is applied includes a reflective layer whichreflects light on the rear side of the display panel 11 in comparisonwith the liquid crystal layer, and includes a reflective displayfunction for displaying an image by selectively reflecting light fromthe front side (display side) of the second substrate 112. An auxiliarylight source may be provided on the front side of the reflective displaypanel 11. The reflective layer may be structured to form the electrodesprovided on the rear side of the display panel 11 in comparison with thereflective layer by a material having a reflective function, such asmetal. The display device 10 to which a transflective display panel 11is applied includes the above transmissive display function and theabove reflective display function.

FIG. 2 shows the general structure of the display panel 11 provided inthe display device 10. A plurality of pixels PX are arranged in matrixin the display panel 11. For descriptive purpose, FIG. 2 shows onlythree pixels PX.

Each of the pixels PX includes a pixel switch SW. The pixel switches SWinclude a thin-film transistor (TFT), and are provided near theintersections of scanning lines G extending along the rows in which thepixels PX are arrayed and signal lines S extending along the columns inwhich the pixels PX are arrayed.

The gate electrode of each pixel switch SW is electrically connected toa corresponding scanning line G. The source electrode of each pixelswitch SW is electrically connected to a corresponding signal line S.The drain electrode of each pixel switch SW is electrically connected toa corresponding pixel electrode PE. The source electrode of each pixelswitch SW may be connected to a corresponding pixel electrode PE, andthe drain electrode of each pixel switch SW may be connected to acorresponding signal line S.

A gate driver GD and a source driver SD are provided in the displaypanel 11 to drive a plurality of pixels PX. The scanning lines G areelectrically connected to the output terminals of the gate driver GD.The signal lines S are electrically connected to the output terminals ofthe source driver SD.

The gate driver GD sequentially applies on-voltage to the scanning linesG and applies on-voltage to the gate electrodes of the pixel switches SWelectrically connected to the selected scanning lines G. In each pixelswitch SW in which on-voltage is applied to the gate electrode, thesource electrode and the drain electrode of the pixel switch SW becomeelectrically conductive.

The source driver SD supplies an output signal corresponding to eachsignal line S. The signal supplied to each signal line S is applied to acorresponding pixel electrode PE via a pixel switch SW in which thesource electrode and the drain electrode is electrically conductive.

The display panel 11 further includes a common electrode driver CD. Thecommon electrode driver CD is a circuit which supplies a drive signal(in other words, applies drive voltage) to the common electrodes COME.The pixel electrodes PE face the common electrodes COME via aninsulating film. The pixel electrodes PE, the common electrodes COME andthe insulating film form storage capacitance CS.

The gate driver GD, the source driver SD and the common electrode driverCD are provided in an area (frame) around the display panel 11, and arecontrolled by the panel driver 113. Although not shown in FIG. 2, thepanel driver 113 controls the operation of the backlight unit 13.

In the display device 10, the panel driver 113 controls the gate driverGD, the source driver SD, the common electrode driver CD, the backlightunit 13, etc., to display an image in the display area DA.

FIG. 2 shows only a single gate driver GD. However, the display panel 11may include a plurality of gate drivers GD. For example, when thedisplay panel 11 includes two gate drivers GD, some of the scanninglines G are connected to one of the gate drivers GD, and the otherscanning lines are connected to the other gate driver. In this case, forexample, the two gate drivers are provided to face each other across theintervening pixels PX.

FIG. 3 is a figure (cross-sectional view) schematically showing thecross-sectional structure of the display device 10. FIG. 3 shows only apart of the cross-sectional structure of the display device 10 fordescriptive purpose.

The display device 10 includes the display panel 11, the backlight unit13, a first optical element OD1 and a second optical element OD2.

In FIG. 3, the display panel 11 includes a structure corresponding to afringe field switching (FFS) mode as a display mode. However, thedisplay panel 11 may include a structure corresponding to anotherdisplay mode.

The display panel 11 includes the first substrate 111, the secondsubstrate 112 and the liquid crystal layer LQ as described above. Thefirst substrate 111 and the second substrate 112 are attached to eachother in a state where a predetermined cell gap is formed. The liquidcrystal layer LQ is held in the cell gap between the first substrate 111and the second substrate 112.

The first substrate 111 is formed using a first insulating substrate 201having a light transmitting property, such as a glass substrate or aresinous substrate. The first substrate 111 includes the signal lines S,the common electrodes COME, the pixel electrodes PE, a first insulatingfilm 202, a second insulating film 203, a third insulating film 204, afirst alignment film AL1, etc., on the side of the first insulatingsubstrate 201 facing the second substrate 112.

The pixel electrodes PE and the common electrodes COME structure pixelsPX together with the pixel area of the liquid crystal layer LQ. Thepixels PX are arranged in matrix in the display panel 11 as describedabove.

The first insulating film 202 is provided on the first insulatingsubstrate 201. The signal lines S are formed on the first insulatingfilm 202. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the signal lines S extend inthe Y-direction.

Although not shown in the figure, for example, the scanning lines G, thegate electrodes of the switching elements (pixel switches SW) and asemiconductor layer are provided between the first insulating substrate201 and the first insulating film 202. Further, for example, the sourceelectrodes and the drain electrodes of the switching elements are formedon the first insulating film 202.

The second insulating film 203 is provided on the signal lines S and thefirst insulating film 202. The common electrodes COME are formed on thesecond insulating film 203. The common electrodes COME includes aplurality of segments. The segments of the common electrodes COME extendin the Y-direction (first direction) and are arranged at predeterminedintervals in the X-direction (second direction). The common electrodesCOME are formed of a transparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO.In the example shown in FIG. 3, a metal layer ML is formed on the commonelectrodes COME such that the resistance of the common electrodes COMEis made low. The metal layer ML may be omitted.

The third insulating film 204 is provided on the common electrodes COMEand the second insulating film 203. The pixel electrodes PE are formedon the third insulating film 204. Each pixel electrode PE is locatedbetween adjacent signal lines S and faces the common electrodes COME.Each pixel electrode PE includes a slit SL at a position facing thecommon electrodes COME. Each pixel electrode PE is formed of atransparent conductive material such as ITO or IZO. The first alignmentfilm AL1 covers the pixel electrodes PE and the third insulating film204.

The second substrate 112 is formed using a second insulating substrate205 having a light transmitting property, such as a glass substrate or aresinous substrate. The second substrate 112 includes a black matrix BM,color filters CFR, CFG and CFB, an overcoat layer OC, a second alignmentfilm AL2, etc., on the side of the second insulating substrate 205facing the first substrate 111.

The black matrix BM is formed on the internal surface of the secondinsulating substrate 205 and defines each pixel. Color filters CFR, CFGand CFB are formed on the internal surface of the second insulatingsubstrate 205 and partially overlap the black matrix BM. Color filterCFR is a red color filter. Color filter CFG is a green color filter.Color filter CFB is a blue color filter. The overcoat layer OC coverscolor filters CFR, CFG and CFB. The overcoat layer OC is formed of atransparent resinous material. The second alignment film AL2 covers theovercoat layer.

The color filters, the black matrix, etc., may be formed on the firstinsulating substrate 201. The color filters may be stacked on, forexample, the pixel electrodes PE.

The touch detection electrodes Rx are formed on the external surface ofthe second insulating substrate 205. The touch detection electrodes Rxare provided so as to extend in the X-direction. Although not shown inFIG. 3, the touch detection electrodes Rx are arranged in theY-direction.

Each touch detection electrode Rx is formed of a transparent conductivematerial such as ITO or IZO as described above. However, for example,each touch detection electrode Rx may be formed of a metal material suchas aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), silver (Ag), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten(W), copper (Cu) or chromium (Cr), an alloy prepared by combining thesemetal materials, a conductive organic material or a dispersing elementof fine conductive substances. Each touch detection electrode Rx may bea single-layer body formed of the above materials or a stacked layerbody. As an example of the stacked layer body, each touch detectionelectrode Rx has a thin metal wire formed of the above metal materialsand a transparent conductive material. When a metal material is used foreach touch detection electrode Rx, mesh processing may be applied.Treatment for invisibility, such as plate processing with a blackmaterial, should be preferably applied.

The backlight unit 13 is provided on the rear side of the display panel11 as described above. The first optical element OD1 is provided betweenthe first insulating substrate 201 and the backlight unit 13. The secondoptical element OD2 is provided on the touch detection electrodes Rx.Each of the first optical element OD1 and the second optical element OD2includes at least a polarizer. The first optical element OD1 and thesecond optical element OD2 may include a retardation film depending onthe need.

FIG. 4 is shown for explaining the basic operation of the touchdetection mechanism 12 described above. This specification explains thetouch detection operation (in other words, the operation for detectingthe contact of an object) by a mutual capacitance detection system.

In the touch detection mechanism 12 using the mutual capacitancedetection system, a touch detection function is realized by, forexample, the touch detection electrodes Rx formed into a stripe shape inthe X-direction on the second substrate 112 and the drive electrodes Txformed into a stripe shape in the Y-direction on the first substrate111. As shown in FIG. 4, the touch detection electrodes Rx and the driveelectrodes Tx intersect each other. As the drive electrodes Tx, thecommon electrodes COME for image display as described above are used.

It should be noted that the touch detection electrodes Rx may be formedinto a stripe shape in the Y-direction and the drive electrodes Tx maybe formed into a stripe shape in the X-direction.

In this structure, the drive electrodes Tx are driven by a drive signal(touch drive signal) of a radiofrequency pulse in series. In this case,a low-level signal (hereinafter, referred to as a touch detectionsignal) is detected from a touch detection electrode Rx which an objectsuch as a fingertip approaches in comparison with the output from theother touch detection electrodes Rx. In addition to first capacitancegenerated between the touch detection electrode Rx which the fingertipapproaches and the drive electrodes Tx, second capacitance is generatedbetween the touch detection electrode Rx and the fingertip. The touchdetection electrodes Rx are capable of outputting a touch detectionsignal based on the change in capacitance in response to a fingertip.

The touch detection mechanism 12 allows the determination of thecoordinate position (contact position) of the fingertip from the drivingtiming of the drive electrodes Tx and the position of the touchdetection electrode Rx which output the low-level detection signal.

FIG. 5 explains an example of the relationship between a display periodand a touch detection period in the display device 10.

In the present embodiment, a display period includes a period forperforming the display operation for displaying an image in the displayarea DA in the display panel 11 (in other words, the drive operation forthe display pixels PX by the gate driver GD and the source driver SD). Atouch detection period includes a period for performing the touchdetection operation for detecting the contact of an object in the touchdetection mechanism 12 (for example, the operation for supplying a touchdrive signal to the drive electrodes Tx and detecting a touch detectionsignal).

As the drive electrodes Tx to which a touch drive signal is supplied ina touch detection period, as described above, a plurality of commonelectrodes COME having a strip shape are used. Since the commonelectrodes COME for displaying an image in the display area DA are alsoused as the drive electrodes Tx for touch detection, in the presentembodiment, display operation and touch detection operation areperformed by time-sharing.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a period for displaying an image ofone frame by the above display operation (hereinafter, referred to asone frame period) includes a plurality of units. Each unit is dividedinto the above display period and touch detection period. In the periodof each unit, after the operation (display operation) for outputting apixel signal (SIGn) of a color corresponding to a signal (SELR/G/B)selecting one of the three colors of RGB is performed for a plurality ofdisplay lines (display period), the operation for supplying a touchdrive signal (drive pulse TxVCOM) to the common electrodes COME as thedrive electrodes Tx is performed (touch detection period). As statedabove, one frame period includes a plurality of units. Thus, in oneframe period, a display period and a touch detection period arealternately repeated.

Now, this specification specifically explains the structure of thedisplay device 10 according to the present embodiment. Although notshown in FIG. 1, in the display device 10 of the present embodiment, thedisplay area DA (display panel 11) is assumed to have an atypical shape.In the present embodiment, an atypical shape is a shape different from arectangular shape such as substantially a square or substantially anon-square rectangle (that is, a shape other than a rectangular shape).In the following description, this specification explains a displaydevice in which the display area DA has a rectangular shape as acomparison example of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the positional relationship between the driveelectrodes Tx and the touch detection electrodes Rx in a comparisonexample of the present embodiment.

In the comparison example of the present embodiment, the driveelectrodes Tx (common electrodes COME) are arranged in the X-directionso as to extend in the Y-direction. The touch detection electrodes Rxare arranged in the Y-direction so as to extend in the X-direction. Thedrive electrodes Tx and the touch detection electrodes Rx are providedat a position overlapping the rectangular display area DA.

In the display device of the comparison example of the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, conductive lines (leads) 300 areconnected to the touch detection electrodes Rx, respectively. Thus, thetouch detection driver 121 is capable of receiving a touch detectionsignal from each touch detection electrode Rx via the conductive lines300. The touch detection driver 121 is capable of detecting the contactof an object with respect to the display area DA based on this touchdetection signal.

When the positional relationship between the drive electrodes Tx and thetouch detection electrodes Rx are as shown in FIG. 6, the conductivelines 300 connected to the touch detection electrodes Rx, respectively,are provided along the drive electrodes Tx.

In this case, when a drive signal is supplied to, of the driveelectrodes Tx, a drive electrode Tx (hereinafter, referred to as driveelectrode Tx1) provided near the conductive lines 300 (in FIG. 6, at theright end), an electric field (fringing field) may be formed betweendrive electrode Tx1 and a conductive line 300. Thus, parasiticcapacitance may be generated between drive electrode Tx1 and theconductive line 300. If parasitic capacitance is generated between driveelectrode Tx1 and the conductive line 300, and a finger is in contactwith the display area DA such that the hand is held over drive electrodeTx1 and the conductive line 300, a touch detection signal is output fromthe touch detection electrode Rx connected to the conductive line 300.This phenomenon is called a shadow effect. In this phenomenon, a touchdetection signal is output from the touch detection electrode Rxprovided at a position different from the contact position of thefinger. Thus, the touch detection accuracy is decreased. Therefore, thegeneration of parasitic capacitance should be prevented.

FIG. 7 shows the connection portion of a touch detection electrode Rxand a conductive line 300. To prevent the generation of parasiticcapacitance, for example, the shielding portion (shield pattern) 400shown in the upper stage of FIG. 8 is formed in the base of the touchdetection electrode Rx connected to the conductive line 300 as shown inFIG. 7. The shielding portion 400 is formed of a transparent conductivematerial such as ITO or IZO in a manner similar to that of the touchdetection electrode Rx.

According to the shielding portion 400, the electric field formedbetween drive electrode Tx1 and the conductive line 300 when a drivesignal (drive pulse TxVCOM) is supplied to drive electrode Tx1 can beblocked as shown in the lower stage of FIG. 8. Thus, the generation ofparasitic capacitance can be prevented.

FIG. 9 schematically shows an example of the positional relationshipbetween the drive electrodes Tx and the touch detection electrodes Rx inthe present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 9, the display area DAhaving an atypical shape in the present embodiment includes a portion(hereinafter, referred to as a rectangular portion) 501 equivalent to arectangular shape and a portion (hereinafter, referred to as an atypicalportion) 502 equivalent to a trapezoidal shape.

In a manner similar to that of the above comparison example of thepresent embodiment, in the display area DA having an atypical shape, thedrive electrodes Tx are arranged in the X-direction so as to extend inthe Y-direction, and the touch detection electrodes Rx are arranged inthe Y-direction so as to extend in the X-direction. The drive electrodesTx and the touch detection electrodes Rx are provided at a positionoverlapping the display area DA having an atypical shape.

In the atypical portion 502, the capacitance of the drive electrodes Txand the touch detection electrodes Rx (in other words, the area of theportion in which the drive electrodes Tx overlap the touch detectionelectrodes Rx) is less than that of the rectangular portion 501. Thus,in the atypical portion 502, the signal amount of the touch detectionsignal output from the touch detection electrodes Rx is reduced (thetouch detection signal is lessened).

In the structure in which the display area DA has an atypical shape,when the above shielding portion 400 is formed to prevent the generationof parasitic capacitance, the signal amount of the touch detectionsignal is further reduced by the effect of the shielding portion 400.

In the structure in which the display area DA has an atypical shape asdescribed above, even when the shielding portions 400 are formed in aplurality of touch detection electrodes Rx to prevent the generation ofparasitic capacitance, the touch detection accuracy may be decreased.

The present embodiment adopts a structure in which, for example, theshielding portions 400 are formed in part of a plurality of touchdetection electrodes Rx.

Now, this specification specifically explains the shielding portions 400formed in the touch detection electrodes Rx in the present embodiment,with reference to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 shows only part of the drive electrodes Tx and the touchdetection electrodes Rx for convenience sake. The drive electrodes Txarranged in the X-direction in FIG. 10 are defined as drive electrodesTx1 to Tx4 in order from the side close to the conductive lines 300. Thetouch detection electrodes arranged in the Y-direction in FIG. 10 aredefined as touch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx8.

Of touch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx8 shown in FIG. 10, touchdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3 are the touch detection electrodesprovided at a position overlapping the rectangular portion 501 describedabove, and touch detection electrodes Rx4 to Rx8 are the touch detectionelectrodes provided at a position overlapping the atypical portion 502described above.

In the present embodiment, in a case where the distance between aconductive line 300 provided near one of the touch detection electrodesRx and a drive electrode Tx (for example, drive electrode Tx1) providednear the conductive line 300 is less than a predetermined value, theshielding portion 400 is formed in the touch detection electrode Rx. Thepredetermined value is a value for determining that the distance betweena conductive line 300 and a drive electrode Tx is less to the extentthat an electric field is formed between the conductive line 300 and thedrive electrode Tx to generate parasitic capacitance.

As shown in FIG. 10, the conductive lines 300 connected to touchdetection electrodes R1 to R8 are defined as conductive lines 301 to308, respectively. It is assumed that the distance between, ofconductive lines 301 to 308, each of conductive lines 301 to 305 and adrive electrode Tx (for example, drive electrode Tx1) is less than apredetermined value.

In this case, the shielding portion 400 is formed in each of touchdetection electrodes R1 to Rx5 provided near the respective conductivelines 301 to 305. The shielding portions 400 formed in touch detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rx5 are capable of blocking an electric field formedbetween drive electrode Tx1 and conductive lines 301 to 305.

It is assumed that the distance between each of conductive lines 306 to308 and drive electrode Tx1 is greater than a predetermined value. Inthis case, as shown in FIG. 10, the shielding portion 400 is not formedin each of touch detection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8 provided near therespective conductive lines 306 to 308. Conductive lines 306 to 308 anddrive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4 are not arranged side by side. Further, thedistance between each of conductive lines 306 to 308 and driveelectrodes Tx2 to Tx4 is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.Thus, the effect of the parasitic capacitance generated betweenconductive lines 306 to 308 and drive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4 is less.Even in consideration of the positional relationship with driveelectrodes Tx2 to Tx4, the shielding portion 400 is not formed in touchdetection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8.

In the above description, the shielding portion 400 is formed in each oftouch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5. For example, the distance betweenthe shielding portion 400 formed in touch detection electrode Rx1 andthe shielding portion 400 formed in touch detection electrode Rx2adjacent to touch detection electrode Rx1 is assumed to be less than apredetermined value.

The size of the shielding portions 400 formed in touch detectionelectrodes Rx1 to Rx5 differs depending on the distance betweenconductive lines 301 to 305 and drive electrode Tx1. Specifically, forexample, the size of the shielding portion 400 formed in touch detectionelectrode Rx1 is determined based on the distance between conductiveline 301 connected to touch detection electrode Rx1 and drive electrodeTx1. For example, the size of the shielding portion 400 formed in touchdetection electrode Rx2 is determined based on the distance betweenconductive line 302 connected to touch detection electrode Rx2 and driveelectrode Tx1. In the above description, this specification explainsonly the shielding portions 400 formed in touch detection electrodes Rx1and Rx2. However, the above explanation is also applied to the shieldingportions 400 formed in touch detection electrodes Rx3 to Rx5.

For example, in a case where conductive lines 301 to 308 are located asshown in FIG. 10, the shielding portions 400 are formed such that thesize is increased in the order of touch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5.

In the present embodiment, the shielding portions 400 formed in touchdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5 are formed such that the area is aslarge as possible depending on the positional relationship withconductive lines 301 to 305.

As described above, the size of the shielding portions 400 formed intouch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5 differs depending on the distanceto conductive lines 301 to 305 connected to touch detection electrodesRx1 to Rx5. However, for example, the area of the portion in which theshielding portion 400 formed in touch detection electrode Rx1 overlapsdrive electrode Tx1 is substantially equal to the area of the portion inwhich the shielding portion 400 formed in touch detection electrode Rx2overlaps drive electrode Tx1. Similarly, the area of the portion inwhich the shielding portion 400 formed in touch detection electrode Rx2overlaps drive electrode Tx1 is substantially equal to the area of theportion in which the shielding portion 400 formed in touch detectionelectrode Rx3 overlaps drive electrode Tx1. Thus, for example, in therectangular portion 501, the areas of the portions in which theshielding portions 400 formed in the touch detection electrodes Rxoverlap drive electrode Tx1 are structured to be substantially equal toeach other.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in a case where thedistance between a conductive line 300 provided near a touch detectionelectrode Rx (one of a plurality of second electrodes) and a driveelectrode Tx (first electrode) provided near the conductive line 300 isless than a predetermined value, the shielding portion 400 is formed inthe touch detection electrode Rx. In a case where the distance between aconductive line 300 provided near a touch detection electrode Rx and adrive electrode Tx provided near the conductive line 300 is greater thanthe predetermined value, the shielding portion 400 is not formed in thetouch detection electrode Rx.

In the structure of the present embodiment, the electric field formedbetween drive electrode Tx1 and conductive lines 301 to 305 can beblocked by the shielding portions 400 formed in the above touchdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5, thereby preventing the generation ofparasitic capacitance between drive electrode Tx1 and conductive lines301 to 305. Since the shielding portion 400 is not formed in touchdetection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8, in touch detection electrodes Rx6 toRx8, it is possible to avoid the reduction of the signal amount of touchdetection signals caused by the shielding portion 400.

In the present embodiment, the shielding portion 400 is formed in eachportion considerably affected by the parasitic capacitance generatedbetween the conductive lines 300 and the drive electrodes Tx. On theother hand, the shielding portion 400 is not formed in each portion lessaffected by the parasitic capacitance generated between the conductivelines 300 and the drive electrodes Tx. In this way, the reduction ofaccuracy of touch detection can be prevented.

In the present embodiment, the distance between the shielding portion400 formed in a touch detection electrode Rx (for example, touchdetection electrode Rx1) and the shielding portion 400 formed in anadjacent touch detection electrode Rx (for example, touch detectionelectrode Rx2) may be less than a predetermined value. This structurecan prevent the formation of an electric field between the shieldingportions 400 formed in the touch detection electrodes Rx adjacent toeach other. Thus, the generation of parasitic capacitance can be furtherprevented.

In the present embodiment, the size of the shielding portion 400 formedin each touch detection electrode Rx may differ depending on thedistance between the conductive line 300 connected to the touchdetection electrode Rx and a drive electrode Tx. In this structure, whenthe shielding portion 400 is formed in each touch detection electrode Rxso as to be as large as possible depending on the positionalrelationship with the conductive lines 300, the shielding effect by theshielding portion 400 can be improved, thereby further preventing thegeneration of parasitic capacitance.

In the present embodiment, the area of the portion in which theshielding portion 400 formed in a touch detection electrode Rx (forexample, touch detection electrode Rx1) overlaps a drive electrode Tx(for example, drive electrode Tx1) may be substantially equal to thearea of the portion in which the shielding portion 400 formed in each ofother touch detection electrodes Rx (for example, touch detectionelectrodes Rx2 and Rx3) overlaps the drive electrode Tx. This structurecan equalize, in each drive electrode Tx, the area of the portion whichdoes not overlap the shielding portion 400 (in other words, the portionwhich is not covered with the shielding portion 400). Thus, it ispossible to prevent the variation in the reduction of the signal amountcaused by the shielding portions 400.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of common electrodes COME fordisplaying an image in the display area DA are used as a plurality ofelectrodes Tx for detecting the contact of an object. The displayoperation for displaying an image in the display area DA and the touchdetection operation are performed by time-sharing. By this structure,the thickness of the display device 10 can be reduced, and further, theimage quality can be improved.

In the above explanation of FIG. 10, the shielding portions 400 areformed in touch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5. However, the shieldingportions 400 may be formed in the touch detection electrodes Rx (forexample, touch detection electrodes Rx1 to Rx3) provided at a positionoverlapping the rectangular portion 501 structuring the display area DA,and the shielding portion 400 may not be formed in the touch detectionelectrodes Rx (for example, touch detection electrodes Rx4 to Rx8)provided at a position overlapping the atypical portion 502 structuringthe display area DA.

When the right end of each touch detection electrode Rx extending in theX-direction in FIG. 9 is defined as a first end, and the left end isdefined as a second end, the present embodiment is explained such thatall the conductive lines 300 are connected to the first ends of thetouch detection electrodes Rx. However, as shown in FIG. 11, forexample, the conductive lines 300 may be connected to the first ends ofthe odd-numbered touch detection electrodes Rx, and the conductive lines300 may be connected to the second ends of the even-numbered touchdetection electrodes Rx. In the present embodiment, since all theconductive lines 300 are connected to the first ends of the touchdetection electrodes Rx, the shielding portions 400 are formed in thebases of the touch detection electrodes Rx near the conductive lines300. However, when the structure shown in FIG. 11 is adopted, theshielding portion 400 may be formed in the base of each touch detectionelectrode Rx or the leading end of each touch detection electrode Rx orboth of them.

The present embodiment is explained, assuming that the display area DA(display panel 11) of the display device 10 has an atypical shape. Thedisplay device in which the display area DA has a rectangular shape isexplained as a comparison example. However, the present embodiment maybe applied to a case where the display area DA does not have an atypicalshape (in other words, for example, the display area DA has arectangular shape). In the present embodiment, the display area DA maynot have an atypical shape as long as, as described above, the shieldingportion 400 is formed in a touch detection electrode Rx in a case wherethe distance between a conductive line 300 provided near the touchdetection electrode Rx and a drive electrode Tx provided near theconductive line 300 is less than a predetermined value, and theshielding portion 400 is not formed in the touch detection electrode Rxin a case where the distance is greater than the predetermined value.

In the present embodiment, this specification explains the displaydevice 10 including the in-cell touch detection mechanism 12. However,for example, the present embodiment may be realized as a display deviceincluding an on-cell touch detection mechanism, or may be realized as atouch panel (touch sensor) for detecting the contact or approach of anobject with respect to a predetermined area (touch detection area).

Second Embodiment

Now, this specification explains a second embodiment. In the followingdescription, the same portions as those of the drawings used in theexplanation of the first embodiment are denoted by like referencenumbers, detailed description thereof being omitted. Only the portionsdifferent from those of the first embodiment are mainly explained.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in respectthat a shielding portion is formed in a touch detection electrode Rxeven in a case where the distance between a conductive line 300 providednear the touch detection electrode Rx and a drive electrode Tx providednear the conductive line 300 is greater than a predetermined value.

In the above FIG. 10, with regard to the intersections of driveelectrodes Tx2 to Tx4 and touch detection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8 providedat a position overlapping the atypical portion 502, as the area in whichdrive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4 overlaps touch detection electrodes Rx6 toRx8, respectively, is small, the capacitance between the driveelectrodes Tx and the touch detection electrodes Rx (Tx-Rx) is less.

For example, when an object such as a finger is in contact with theintersection of drive electrode Tx2 and touch detection electrode Rx6, atouch detection signal is output from touch detection electrode Rx6. Thetouch detection signal is input to an A/D converter (not shown) fordetecting the contact of the object.

However, when the capacitance between drive electrode Tx2 and touchdetection electrode Rx6 is less because of the shape of the atypicalportion 502 as described above, the touch detection signal value outputfrom touch detection electrode Rx6 may be less than the lower limit(minimum value) in the dynamic range of the A/D converter. Thus, thecontact of the object may not be detected.

Here, this specification explains a case where an object is in contactwith the intersection of drive electrode Tx2 and touch detectionelectrode Rx6. However, the same explanation is applied to a case wherean object is in contact with the intersection of drive electrode Tx3 andtouch detection electrode Rx7 and a case where an object is in contactwith the intersection of drive electrode Tx4 and touch detectionelectrode Rx8.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, a shielding portion(second shielding portion) 401 is formed in each of touch detectionelectrodes Rx6 to Rx8. In this case, the shielding portions 401 areformed at positions which do not overlap drive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4.Each shielding portion 401 is formed of a transparent conductivematerial such as ITO or IZO in a manner similar to that of the aboveshielding portions 400.

According to the shielding portion 401 formed in touch detectionelectrode Rx6, the capacitance between drive electrode Tx2 and touchdetection electrode Rx6 can be increased. According to the shieldingportion 401 formed in touch detection electrode Rx7, the capacitancebetween drive electrode Tx3 and touch detection electrode Rx7 can beincreased. According to the shielding portion 401 formed in touchdetection electrode Rx8, the capacitance between drive electrode Tx4 andtouch detection electrode Rx8 can be increased.

The size of the shielding portion 401 formed in each of touch detectionelectrodes Rx6 to Rx8 differs depending on the distance betweenconductive lines 306 to 308 and drive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4. In otherwords, in the present embodiment, the shielding portions 401 are formedin touch detection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8 such that the area is as largeas possible depending on the positional relationship with conductivelines 306 to 308.

In the above description, this specification explains the shieldingportions 401 formed in touch detection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8. As theshielding portion (first shielding portions) 400 formed in touchdetection electrodes Rx1 to Rx5 are the same as those of the firstembodiment, the detailed explanation thereof is omitted here.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in a case where thedistance between a conductive line 300 provided near a touch detectionelectrode Rx and a drive electrode Tx provided near the conductive line300 is greater than a predetermined value, the shielding portion (secondshielding portion) 401 is formed in the touch detection electrode Rx.

In the structure of the present embodiment, the shielding portions 401allow the capacitance between the drive electrodes Tx and the touchdetection electrodes Rx in the atypical portion 502 to be increased.Thus, the variation in the capacitance between the drive electrodes Txand the touch detection electrodes Rx in the plane of a display area DA(display panel 11) can be reduced. The accuracy of touch detection canbe improved.

In the present embodiment, the shielding portions 401 are formed atpositions which do not overlap the drive electrodes Tx (for example,drive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4). Thus, it is possible to avoid thereduction of the signal amount of touch detection signals caused by theshielding portions 401.

In the present embodiment, the size of the shielding portion 401 formedin a touch detection electrode Rx may differ depending on the distancebetween a conductive line 300 provided near the touch detectionelectrode Rx and a drive electrode Tx provided near the conductive line300. In this structure, since the shielding portion 401 of each touchdetection electrode Rx is formed so as to be as large as possibledepending on the positional relationship with the conductive lines 300,the capacitance between the drive electrodes Tx and the touch detectionelectrodes Rx in the atypical portion 502 can be further increased.

In the above first embodiment, no shielding portion is formed in touchdetection electrodes Rx6 to Rx8 since drive electrodes Rx2 to Tx4, etc.,are less affected by the generation of parasitic capacitance. However,parasitic capacitance may be generated between conductive lines 306 to308 and drive electrodes Tx2 to Tx4. Therefore, in the presentembodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, the shielding portions 401may be formed at positions overlapping the drive electrodes Tx.

In this structure, the capacitance between the drive electrodes Tx andthe touch detection electrodes Rx in the atypical portion 502 can beincreased. Moreover, the generation of parasitic capacitance between theconductive lines 300 and the drive electrodes Tx may be prevented.

In this case, the area of the portion in which each shielding portion401 overlaps the drive electrode Tx is made less than the area of theportion in which each shielding portion 400 overlaps the drive electrodeTx. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reduction of the signalamount of touch detection signals caused by the shielding portions 401.

The invention according to the embodiments will be noted below.

[C1]

A display device for displaying an image in a display area, the displaydevice comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin a first direction, and arranged in a second direction intersectingthe first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the displayarea based on capacitance between the first electrodes and the secondelectrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a shielding portion is formedin the second electrode, and

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, the shielding portion is notformed in the second electrode.

[C2]

The display device of [C1], wherein

a distance between the shielding portion formed in the second electrodeand the shielding portion formed in an adjacent second electrode is lessthan a predetermined value.

[C3]

The display device of [C1], wherein

a size of the shielding portion formed in the second electrode differsdepending on a distance between the conductive line connected to thesecond electrode and the first electrode provided near the conductiveline.

[C4]

The display device of [C1], wherein

an area of a portion in which the shielding portion formed in the secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode is substantially equal to an areaof a portion in which the shielding portion formed in another secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode.

[C5]

The display device of [C1], wherein

a plurality of common electrodes for displaying an image in the displayarea are used as the first electrodes.

[C6]

A display device for displaying an image in a display area, the displaydevice comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin a first direction, and arranged in a second direction intersectingthe first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the displayarea based on capacitance between the first electrodes and the secondelectrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a first shielding portion isformed in the second electrode,

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, a second shielding portionis formed in the second electrode,

the first shielding portion is formed at a position overlapping thefirst electrode, and

the second shielding portion is formed at a position which does notoverlap the first electrode.

[C7]

A display device for displaying an image in a display area, the displaydevice comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin a first direction, and arranged in a second direction intersectingthe first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the displayarea based on capacitance between the first electrodes and the secondelectrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a first shielding portion isformed in the second electrode,

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, a second shielding portionis formed in the second electrode, and

an area of a portion in which the second shielding portion overlaps thefirst electrode is less than an area of a portion in which the firstshielding portion overlaps the first electrode.

[C8]

The display device of one of [C1] to [C7], wherein

the display area has a shape different from a rectangular shape.

[C9]

A touch panel comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping a touch detection area,extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second directionintersecting the first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the touch detection area,extending in the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the touchdetection area based on capacitance between the first electrodes and thesecond electrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a shielding portion is formedin the second electrode, and

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, the shielding portion is notformed in the second electrode.

[C10]

The touch panel of [C9], wherein

a distance between the shielding portion formed in the second electrodeand the shielding portion formed in an adjacent second electrode is lessthan a predetermined value.

[C11]

The touch panel of [C9], wherein

a size of the shielding portion formed in the second electrode differsdepending on a distance between the conductive line connected to thesecond electrode and the first electrode provided near the conductiveline.

[C12]

The touch panel of [C9], wherein

an area of a portion in which the shielding portion formed in the secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode is substantially equal to an areaof a portion in which the shielding portion formed in another secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode.

[C13]

A touch panel comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping a touch detection area,extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second directionintersecting the first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the touch detection area,extending in the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the touchdetection area based on capacitance between the first electrodes and thesecond electrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a first shielding portion isformed in the second electrode,

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, a second shielding portionis formed in the second electrode,

the first shielding portion is formed at a position overlapping thefirst electrode, and

the second shielding portion is formed at a position which does notoverlap the first electrode.

[C14]

A display device comprising:

a plurality of first electrodes overlapping a touch detection area,extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second directionintersecting the first direction;

a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the touch detection area,extending in the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;

a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and

a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, anddetecting contact or approach of an object with respect to the touchdetection area based on capacitance between the first electrodes and thesecond electrodes, wherein

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is less than a predetermined value, a first shielding portion isformed in the second electrode,

in a case where a distance between a conductive line near one of thesecond electrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline is greater than a predetermined value, a second shielding portionis formed in the second electrode, and

an area of a portion in which the second shielding portion overlaps thefirst electrode is less than an area of a portion in which the firstshielding portion overlaps the first electrode.

[C15]

The display device of one of [C9] to [C14], wherein

the touch detection area has a shape different from a rectangular shape.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device configured to display an imagein a display area, the display device comprising: a plurality of firstelectrodes overlapping the display area, extending in a first direction,and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; aplurality of second electrodes overlapping the display area, extendingin the second direction, and arranged in the first direction; aplurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and a touch detectiondriver connected to the conductive lines, and configured to detectcontact or approach of an object with respect to the display area basedon capacitance between the first electrodes and the second electrodes,wherein when a distance between a conductive line near one of the secondelectrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductive line isless than a predetermined value, a shielding portion is formed in thesecond electrode, when the distance between the conductive line near theone of the second electrodes and the one of the first electrodes nearthe conductive line is greater than the predetermined value, theshielding portion is not formed in the second electrode, a plurality ofcommon electrodes for displaying an image in the display area are usedas the first electrodes, the display area has a shape different from arectangular shape, the one of the first electrodes near the conductiveline overlaps the shielding portion, and the shielding portion isconnected to a plurality of partial electrodes included in the secondelectrodes and extending in the second direction, and is formed in atleast two of the second electrodes.
 2. The display device of claim 1,wherein a distance between the shielding portion formed in the secondelectrode and the shielding portion formed in an adjacent secondelectrode is less than a predetermined value.
 3. The display device ofclaim 1, wherein a size of the shielding portion formed in the secondelectrode differs depending on a distance between the conductive lineconnected to the second electrode and the first electrode provided nearthe conductive line.
 4. The display device of claim 1, wherein an areaof a portion in which the shielding portion formed in the secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode is substantially equal to an areaof a portion in which the shielding portion formed in another secondelectrode overlaps the first electrode.
 5. A display device configuredto display an image in a display area, the display device comprising: aplurality of first electrodes overlapping the display area, extending ina first direction, and arranged in a second direction intersecting thefirst direction; a plurality of second electrodes overlapping thedisplay area, extending in the second direction, and arranged in thefirst direction; a plurality of conductive lines provided along thefirst electrodes, and connected to the second electrodes, respectively;and a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, andconfigured to detect contact or approach of an object with respect tothe display area based on capacitance between the first electrodes andthe second electrodes, wherein when a distance between a conductive linenear one of the second electrodes and one of the first electrodes nearthe conductive line is less than a predetermined value, a firstshielding portion is formed in the second electrode, when the distancebetween the conductive line near the one of the second electrodes andthe one of the first electrodes near the conductive line is greater thanthe predetermined value, a second shielding portion is formed in thesecond electrode, the first shielding portion is formed at a positionoverlapping the one of the first electrodes near the conductive line,the second shielding portion is formed at a position which does notoverlap the one of the first electrodes near the conductive line, aplurality of common electrodes for displaying an image in the displayarea are used as the first electrodes, the display area has a shapedifferent from a rectangular shape, and each of the first and secondshielding portions is connected to a plurality of partial electrodesincluded in the second electrodes and extending in the second direction,and is formed in at least two of the second electrodes.
 6. A displaydevice configured to display an image in a display area, the displaydevice comprising: a plurality of first electrodes overlapping thedisplay area, extending in a first direction, and arranged in a seconddirection intersecting the first direction; a plurality of secondelectrodes overlapping the display area, extending in the seconddirection, and arranged in the first direction; a plurality ofconductive lines provided along the first electrodes, and connected tothe second electrodes, respectively; and a touch detection driverconnected to the conductive lines, and configured to detect contact orapproach of an object with respect to the display area based oncapacitance between the first electrodes and the second electrodes,wherein when a distance between a conductive line near one of the secondelectrodes and one of the first electrodes near the conductive line isless than a predetermined value, a first shielding portion is formed inthe second electrode, when the distance between the conductive line nearthe one of the second electrodes and the one of the first electrodesnear the conductive line is greater than the predetermined value, asecond shielding portion is formed in the second electrode, an area of aportion in which the second shielding portion overlaps the one of thefirst electrodes near the conductive line is less than an area of aportion in which the first shielding portion overlaps the one of thefirst electrodes near the conductive line, a plurality of commonelectrodes for displaying an image in the display area are used as thefirst electrodes, the display area has a shape different from arectangular shape, and each of the first and second shielding portionsis connected to a plurality of partial electrodes included in the secondelectrodes and extending in the second direction, and is formed in atleast two of the second electrodes.
 7. A touch panel comprising: aplurality of first electrodes overlapping a touch detection area,extending in a first direction, and arranged in a second directionintersecting the first direction; a plurality of second electrodesoverlapping the touch detection area, extending in the second direction,and arranged in the first direction; a plurality of conductive linesprovided along the first electrodes, and connected to the secondelectrodes, respectively; and a touch detection driver connected to theconductive lines, and configured to detect contact or approach of anobject with respect to the touch detection area based on capacitancebetween the first electrodes and the second electrodes, wherein when adistance between a conductive line near one of the second electrodes andone of the first electrodes near the conductive line is less than apredetermined value, a shielding portion is formed in the secondelectrode, when the distance between the conductive line near the one ofthe second electrodes and the one of the first electrodes near theconductive line is greater than the predetermined value, the shieldingportion is not formed in the second electrode, the touch detection areahas a shape different from a rectangular shape, the one of the firstelectrodes near the conductive line overlaps the shielding portion, andthe shielding portion is connected to a plurality of partial electrodesincluded in the second electrodes and extending in the second direction,and is formed in at least two of the second electrodes.
 8. The touchpanel of claim 7, wherein a distance between the shielding portionformed in the second electrode and the shielding portion formed in anadjacent second electrode is less than a predetermined value.
 9. Thetouch panel of claim 7, wherein a size of the shielding portion formedin the second electrode differs depending on a distance between theconductive line connected to the second electrode and the firstelectrode provided near the conductive line.
 10. The touch panel ofclaim 7, wherein an area of a portion in which the shielding portionformed in the second electrode overlaps the first electrode issubstantially equal to an area of a portion in which the shieldingportion formed in another second electrode overlaps the first electrode.11. A touch panel comprising: a plurality of first electrodesoverlapping a touch detection area, extending in a first direction, andarranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; aplurality of second electrodes overlapping the touch detection area,extending in the second direction, and arranged in the first direction;a plurality of conductive lines provided along the first electrodes, andconnected to the second electrodes, respectively; and a touch detectiondriver connected to the conductive lines, and configured to detectcontact or approach of an object with respect to the touch detectionarea based on capacitance between the first electrodes and the secondelectrodes, wherein when a distance between a conductive line near oneof the second electrodes and one of the first electrodes near theconductive line is less than a predetermined value, a first shieldingportion is formed in the second electrode, when the distance between theconductive line near the one of the second electrodes and the one of thefirst electrodes near the conductive line is greater than thepredetermined value, a second shielding portion is formed in the secondelectrode, the first shielding portion is formed at a positionoverlapping the one of the first electrodes near the conductive line,the second shielding portion is formed at a position which does notoverlap the one of the first electrodes near the conductive line, thetouch detection area has a shape different from a rectangular shape, andeach of the first and second shielding portions is connected to aplurality of partial electrodes included in the second electrodes andextending in the second direction, and is formed in at least two of thesecond electrodes.
 12. A touch panel comprising: a plurality of firstelectrodes overlapping a touch detection area, extending in a firstdirection, and arranged in a second direction intersecting the firstdirection; a plurality of second electrodes overlapping the touchdetection area, extending in the second direction, and arranged in thefirst direction; a plurality of conductive lines provided along thefirst electrodes, and connected to the second electrodes, respectively;and a touch detection driver connected to the conductive lines, andconfigured to detect contact or approach of an object with respect tothe touch detection area based on capacitance between the firstelectrodes and the second electrodes, wherein when a distance between aconductive line near one of the second electrodes and one of the firstelectrodes near the conductive line is less than a predetermined value,a first shielding portion is formed in the second electrode, when thedistance between the conductive line near the one of the secondelectrodes and the one of the first electrodes near the conductive lineis greater than the predetermined value, a second shielding portion isformed in the second electrode, an area of a portion in which the secondshielding portion overlaps the one of the first electrodes near theconductive line is less than an area of a portion in which the firstshielding portion overlaps the one of the first electrodes near theconductive line, the touch detection area has a shape different from arectangular shape, and each of the first and second shielding portionsis connected to a plurality of partial electrodes included in the secondelectrodes and extending in the second direction, and is formed in atleast two of the second electrodes.